Elon Volleyball Welcomes Seahawks for Saturday Match

ELON, N.C. – After an almost two week absence from Alumni Gym, the Elon volleyball team (5-15, 0-4 CAA) returns home to host UNC Wilmington (13-5, 3-1 CAA) on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m.

Looking Back
The Phoenix faced former Southern Conference rival UNCG in a midweek match in Greensboro, N.C. on Tuesday. The Spartans claimed the win, 3-0, after taking the momentum from winning a tight first set, 25-23. Sydney Busa led the team with 10 kills and fell just shy of the double-double with eight digs. Catherine Head posted another strong performance at the net with four blocks to lead all players.

Elon vs. UNCW
Matches between Elon and UNCW date back to 1976 with the two teams recently meeting just last year in the Kristen Dickmann/Navy Invitational in Annapolis, Md. The Seahawks won the match, 3-0, and went on to finish third in the CAA last season. In that match, both Megan Gravley and Chanelle Smith posted eight kills, while C. Smith also tallied 10 digs. UNCW is currently third in the league and has the reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Week in Meredith Peacock.

At the Net
Elon’s block has been very strong for the Phoenix thus far in conference play. The maroon and gold averag 2.33 blocks per set with 35 total team blocks. Catherine Head ranks third in the conference with 1.36 blocks per set and has tallied 19 total blocks, including three solo, in four league matches so far this season.

Head Coach Mary Tendler
Elon head coach Mary Tendler is in her 12th season with the Phoenix program. She enters Saturday’s match with a 190-190 Elon and career record. Tendler is now 10 wins away from reaching the century mark in career wins.

Looking Ahead
The Phoenix remains home in Alumni Gym for its next three matches, beginning with a match against Towson on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.